Scuff the Linoleum Surface

What happens here

Linoleum is a non-porous surface, which is good for spills but bad for tile adhesion. To create a strong bond for the thin-set mortar, the surface of the linoleum needs to be scuffed up. Use a random orbital sander (Festool is shown) to abrade the entire surface of the linoleum, removing its top sheen. The goal is not to remove the linoleum but to create a rough texture that the thin-set can grip onto. Connect the sander to a dust extractor for a cleaner workspace.

Goal: Create a porous surface on the linoleum for optimal thin-set adhesion.